I need to share an item to hopefully clear up some unfortunate misunderstanding. I tried using a Facebook thread to do this -- but that has had mixed results.

In 2007 BuffaloRunners tried to include more of our runners on the site by creating the "Most Active" lists. They've been a lot of fun and we were overwhelmed with the positive response.

But recently a cloud was cast over the process.

In ongoing threads about actual cheating, such as course-cutting and bib swapping misadventures well-intentioned persons have cited things that are in no way cheating.

Consequently, good law-abiding honorable runners have been shamed and shunned. Runners have been wrongly made afraid to race for fear of verbal or written retribution where absolutely none is warranted. Even race directors have been threatened! This is unfortunate and outrageous.

I'd like this to stop. If its really your intent to hurt the innocent then read no further. If not, please read the following and help spread the word.

The worst misunderstanding is the rare case where multiple events are contested concurrently. 2 examples: The Veterans Race 5K/10K and The 6 Hour Distance Classic with its included BR Full Marathon.

At the Veterans Race it can be possible to run both the 5K and the 10K. At the 6 Hour Classic, it is possible to run a BAA approved BQ eligible USATF Certified full marathon en-route to a longer 6-hour run.

Folks, in each case, under the IAAF Rules of International competition and under the USATF Rules of Competition this is proper and legal and has been practiced for years. IT IS NOT CHEATING. When properly administered and approved by the Race Committee and the Timer then these MUST be handled as separate, possibly record eligible, events.

At BuffaloRunners we don't speculate on what the rules might be. We know the rules. We enforce the rules.

If running many races in a year is your game then you really want to take advantage of these rare opportunities.

It really saddens me to hear or read good persons espousing hurtful nonsense suggesting that this process is in any way unfair or cheating. The opportunity, when it arises, is open equally to all. It is very rare since it requires more effort, technologically and administratively, of the race organization and the timer.

Please, if you see a potential violation, contact me. If you have a question on the rules of our sport you may contact me, anytime. Don't guess. Let's get it right and play by the same rules. THE OFFICIAL RULES.